Inefficiencies within CARICOM

EDITOR: In a local newspaper publication, I read with great interest the recent article titled “Caribbean Disaster Preparedness at Risk from Funding Cuts,” which highlighted the region’s growing vulnerability due to funding reductions and failure to implement critical resilience plans. The Secretary General’s call for advocating at global forums is commendable. However, a deeper issue exists—systemic inefficiencies within CARICOM and its agencies that threaten the region’s disaster preparedness and broader development objectives.

As a former staff member of CARICOM, I have observed first hand the chronic inefficiencies plaguing the organisation and its related agencies. These inefficiencies are not merely administrative hurdles but are deeply rooted in poor oversight, inadequate accountability, and a lack of internal regulatory frameworks. Agencies operate with minimal supervision, often without regular audits or clear guidelines governing financial management and personnel conduct. Such an environment has fostered a culture where leaders exercise excessive discretion, engage in frequent and often undocumented travel, and fail to account for the funds they manage.

The absence of strong internal controls has led to multiple issues, including: Unsupervised and unregulated CARICOM agencies.

Frequent changes of auditors without justification.

Excessive travel by agency heads, often without notifying senior staff.

Unclear or absent guidelines on spending limits, particularly for external travel.

Intimidation and threats directed at unionised employees.

Mismanagement of employee compensation and benefits, citing insufficient funds.

Nepotism and the appointment of agency heads who function with near-absolute authority, and apparently for life.

A lack of accountability from supervisory boards, which are often composed of allies of agency heads.

These inefficiencies have transformed CARICOM and its agencies into what can best be described as a “Poster Child for Inefficient Operations in the Caribbean.” Despite being funded by taxpayer money and donor contributions, these agencies operate with little to no accountability, leaving them free to squander resources with impunity.

To make a meaningful case for increased international funding, the region must first demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. CARICOM must comprehensively review its internal governance structures, impose stricter financial and regulatory oversight, and ensure that its agencies are held to the highest accountability standards.

The Caribbean deserves a regional organisation that leads by example, advocates for climate resilience and sustainable development, and practices these principles in its internal operations.

Tony Little